President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the work of officials due to prolonged power outages in Bila Tserkva and Brovary in Kyiv region. According to him, residents were without electricity for several days, while reports from the ground did not match the real situation.
The head of state said this on November 13 in a evening video address.
Zelensky said that during a meeting with government representatives there was a tough conversation about the state of energy supply in certain settlements of Kyiv region.
“An absolutely unacceptable situation in Bila Tserkva and Brovary — when people were without electricity not just for hours, but for several days. And at the same time, reports from the ground gave different information,” — the president said.
The head of state emphasized that problems with electricity supply must be solved, not hidden. According to him, in some cities restoration work is progressing too slowly, despite the efforts of energy workers and rescuers.
Earlier that day, Zelensky held a conference call, during which he heard reports on the consequences of Russian attacks and the restoration of electricity supply in the regions. Special attention was paid to the situation in Bila Tserkva, Brovary and other cities of Kyiv region.
Following the meeting, the Ministry of Energy together with the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the agency responsible for community development were instructed to prepare additional tools for interaction with local authorities. They should accelerate the restoration of electricity supply.
The president also demanded a prompt response to cases where utility services or individual companies fail to fulfill their duties.
“When somewhere in the regions utility services or individual companies are underperforming, there must be a reaction, and a very quick one,” — Zelensky emphasized.
In addition to Kyiv region, the meeting discussed the situation in Sumy region, particularly in Konotop and Shostka. The president expressed hope that residents of the affected settlements will receive the necessary assistance.
Zelensky thanked the employees of energy companies and the State Emergency Service who are restoring electricity supply, including under continuous shelling.
The president did not report any specific personnel decisions or disciplinary actions following the meeting. The timeline for full restoration of stable electricity supply in Bila Tserkva and Brovary has also not been announced yet.
